Officials: RI native reported missing in California

According to the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office, Dianne Thacher, originally from Wakefield, was reported missing on Sunday.

Police say the 23-year-old was last in contact with friends and family on October 5.

Officials say Thacher’s family reported her missing to authorities in both Washoe County, Nevada and Santa Barbara because she was in California to meet up with friends.

Police say she was staying at a motel in 6000-block of Hollister Avenue and was last seen checking out of her room on October 6. The same day, before she was reported missing, police said her car was found abandoned with a flat tire and several parking tickets in the 7600-block of Hollister Avenue.

“She checked into the Super 8 Hotel. She stayed overnight and called me. She had already checked in and she checked out the next day,” said Thacher’s mother, Jacquelyn.

Officals say her cell phone has not been active in a week.

(Photo courtesy of KEYT)

Thacher is a student at Sierra Nevada College and a 2010 graduate of The Prout School. Her family said she was in California to connect with friends from high school.

Police say they do not suspect foul play at this time, though they are considering her disappearance to be suspicious.

“It’s a terrible thing to go through. I’m just asking if anybody has seen her,” her mom said. “Call home. Call anyone to get in contact with us.”

The Sheriff’s Office is requesting anyone with information that would assist in locating Dianne Thacher to call the Sheriff’s Office at 805-683-2724 or to leave an anonymous tip call 805-681-4171.

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